CREATING EFFECTIVE DESIGN NARRATIVES In order to create a design that is personal to the client, you have to delve deep into what’s important to them. Ask questions to determine why a homeowner sought you out and what challenge they are facing. “I begin by spouting out design ideas
to the client while we walk the property to gauge the ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes,’” Heller says. “I don’t give the entire plan away, just enough to get the client interested and talking. This helps me to connect ideas to the space and already have the client’s approval. By the time I leave the property, I basically have the design already pulled together in my head and in my notes and the photos I take of the property. This cuts down on the ‘back & forth’ time and keeps me and my project lists efficient.” Malis says she’ll listen to clients tell
stories about their childhood, which enables her to design a landscape that represents them and their lifestyle. “It’s just a true picture of their upbring- ing and their whole lives,” Malis says. Ackerman says he guides his clients
through a sample design process to set clear expectations and paints mental pictures that evoke joy and nostalgia, like sun-drenched terraces or sparkling pool waters. “Many clients struggle to visualize
designs from plans alone, so I lean on descriptive language to ignite their imagination,” Ackerman says. “By involv- ing them in the process and encourag- ing playfulness, it transforms the design journey into a collaborative, inspiring
experience.”
BALANCING FUNCTIONALITY WITH EMOTIONAL IMPACT Sometimes, a client’s problem doesn’t have a ‘sexy’ solution, such as drainage, but it is still an important aspect to consider and discuss with the client. Heller says to prevent clients from tuning out, she’ll discuss fun and interesting options, like a rain garden for drainage. Malis says she approaches all of her
project designs from a practical perspec- tive and then figures out ways to make them pretty. “Ultimately, to me, it’s most import- ant to solve the functional issues first
because if I design a beautiful landscape that doesn’t solve any of their issues, then I haven’t done my job,” Malis says. Heller says you should also use your
expertise to bring potential pitfalls to your client’s attention when designing their space. “A good example of this is a pool
patio,” Heller says. “I had a client who wanted a particular stone for the pool patio, but I knew that the product heated up in the sun and would be hot to walk on, so I immediately brought this to the client’s attention, and we selected another product and avoided a potential problem down the road.” Ackerman notes it isn’t just about
“I begin by spouting out design ideas to the client while we walk the property to gauge the ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes.’ I don’t give the entire plan away, just enough to get the client interested and talking. This helps me to connect ideas to the space and already have the client’s approval. By the time I leave the property, I basically have the design already pulled together in my head and in my notes and the photos I take of the property. This cuts down on the ‘back & forth’ time and keeps me and my project lists efficient.”
- Susann Heller, a landscape architect with Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service
National Association of Landscape Professionals 25
Photos: Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service
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